Change management is the process of helping employees to understand and accept changes in their business environment. Organizations are always evolving, and whenever they implement a change in processes, systems, structures, or job roles, that change can be disruptive to the people involved. Change management is important because it can reduce the stress and resistance to change that is often experienced by those affected by it, and improve the communication and cooperation needed to keep organizational culture intact.

Traditionally, the implementation of new technologies, changes in leadership, and potential mergers and acquisitions encompassed the majority of changes an organization would experience. Yet, in this time of unprecedented change, global disruptions are forcing companies to transform rapidly and extensively, making change management more important - and challenging - than ever.

Change affects an organization from top to bottom, but team leaders and managers will benefit most from change management skills since they are responsible for guiding their teams through often-challenging circumstances.

Human resources (HR) managers are in particular need of this background, as HR departments are typically on the front lines of change management. For example, the same negotiation skills used in employee conflict resolution can assist managers in helping personnel accept uncomfortable changes without losing morale or their loyalty. And, since they are tasked with carrying out the HR strategy of matching human resources to business needs, these managers must be adept at the ever-changing balancing act required in an evolving organization.

Human resources managers are employed in nearly every industry, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics they make a median salary of $116,720 per year as of 2019. These jobs are expected to grow faster than average, in part due to the need for companies to successfully navigate the complex and unknown changes of the future.

Yes! Coursera offers a wide range of courses and Specializations in change management topics, including influencing and organizational analysis, from top-ranked schools such as Stanford University and Macquarie University. In fact, managing change is a key part of the curriculum for the Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offered by Macquarie.

With virtual office hours and group collaboration projects, learning on Coursera gives you the opportunity to practice both the soft skills and the digital literacy needed in change management today. And, regardless of the coming changes in the world, you’ll be able to complete your coursework remotely online at a lower tuition than on-campus alternatives without sacrificing the quality of your education.